Memory is a funny thing, isn’t it? So many times I read the same tips over and over again — tips that have helped me before, but then I forget that they exist until I read them again, and it’s like, “Well I’ll be damned. That would totally work!”
Here’s one I know I’ve heard before, but I recently read it again: sometimes when you aren’t feeling great first thing in the morning, it can help to spend a little extra time getting ready.
Like, say goodbye to the sweats, and put something on that makes you feel cute. You know, fix your hair, do your makeup — that kind of thing — even if you totally aren’t in the mood.
To the first person who figured that out, wherever you are, thank you. You saved my butt this morning.
I woke up exhausted after an orange alert meltdown last night. It’s my fault, because I haven’t been taking my breaks throughout the day, which slowly turns me into a crazy person.
On top of that, I’ve been riding a PMS-fueled hormonal tidal wave, and everything has been getting on my last nerve. I’m serious, that one nerve is RAW.
Ha! OK, but seriously, I turned into a rabid cat in my office yesterday, and my poor computer chair… I kicked the living crap out of that thing, and then I cried non-stop for 45 minutes.
I felt much better this morning, but nowhere near my usual self. Without really thinking about it, I grabbed a pair of stretchy pants and a wrinkled tee shirt and planned to put my hair up in a bun and skip my makeup.
But then I remembered that tip about spending a little extra time getting ready when you feel blue…
After a long shower, during which I did a hair mask, a body scrub and even shaved my toes (yay!), I put on one of my favorite dresses, spritzed some Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Perfume, and slicked a hot pink lipstick on my lips.
Never underestimate the power of hot pink lipstick, my friend. It’s even better than chicken soup.
Today I haven’t once felt the urge to punch any office furniture. 🙂 Cupcakes for everyone!
NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu, the hot pink I’m wearing in these pics, couldn’t be easier to apply (unless it applied itself…which would be scary and weird). It’s from the new Digital World holiday set. One of the things I like about it, in addition to the color, is that I can line and fill in my lips with the same pencil.
Yu is one of five Lip Pencils in the $49 Digital World set (coming November 1 exclusively to Sephora), which also includes the Satin Lip Pencils in tea rose Descanso and peachy coral Torres Del Paine, and the Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in scarlet Cruella and warm orange Iberico.
The set also comes with a gorgeous box, perfect to reuse for storing brushes, cat treats and/or additional NARS Lip Pencils (they’re addictive!).
The makeup breakdown…
EYES
- BECCA Eye Priming Perfector — base
- MAC Paints in Sublime Nature — all over lid
- MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack — upper lash line to tightline
- NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte — water line
- Topshop Doe Eyed Lashes — upper and lower lashes
BROWS
- Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Espresso
FACE
- Dolce & Gabbana Aurealux Cream — I usually like to moisturizer before applying primer (helps whatever I layer on top look richer and smoother), although I think I’m going to stick to using this at night for now on because it pills when I layer it with Smashbox Pore Minizing Photo Finish Primer
- Dolce & Gabbana Aurealux Eye Gel
- MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer
- Smashbox Pore Minimizing Photo Finish Foundation Primer
- MAC Face and Body Foundation in C5
- Diorskin Nude Concealer in 003 Sable/Sand
- YSL Touche Eclat in 4.5
Cheeks
- NARS Bronzer in Laguna from the Virtual Domination Cheek Palette — contour
- NARS Blush in Deep Throat mixed with Sex Fantasy from the Virtual Domination Cheek Palette — blush
- NARS Higlighting Blush in Miss Liberty — highlight
LIPS
- NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu from the Digitial World set
EARS
Ah… Much better. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. From the title, C.P. Yu. Get it? CPU? Hehe… That’s my dumb sense of humor right there.
I have to tell you I read your blog religiously everyday! First thing I do is get my coffee then my iPad and go straight to your site, you’re like my makeup BFF in my head LOL, and your site is my go to before I purchase any products because everything you review is current. Love what you’re doing girl! Anywhoo..I think I need to scoop up these lip pencils, I’m loving those colors, plus love the fact that I’m saving money rather than paying the 25$ a piece, Luvs it!
I really love the graphic limited edition packaging for this holiday collection by Nars, I would totally keep and re-use the boxes to store makeup or tools.
Glad you’re feeling better now!
You know, I’ve been feeling really down at work lately (total loss of motivation, frustration level dangerously high, impetuous desire to just quit right now and never come back), and I’ve forced myself to select my daily outfits and makeup more carefully – I had kind of stopped wearing any makeup at all on weekdays. It has been incredibly helpful in boosting my self-esteem, and I’ve been a lot more assertive. Go pink lipstick!
Damn, I want this set, but I don’t think Descano and Torres del Paine will suit me. What do you think, Karen? Will they look good on those of us who are quite brown?
Boy Karen-babe, I FEEL YOUR PAIN. My little sis gets married this weekend and my folks are in a tizzy. My mum has kept me informed of every hiccup along the way to planning this thing, no matter how small. I get to be a bridesmaid, plus style my mum and sisters hair. To top it off I have been a busy, busy little bee at the salon and am seriously lacking in the sleep department. So I get you girlfriend! I also get that the lip pencil set is screaming my name! Last year’s was too cool toned for me but this, this has Steph written ALL over its pretty little packaging!
*Hugs*! I’m sorry you’ve been stressed out! What really helps for me is taking a walk or getting in some exercise- I was once told by a trainer at my gym that cortisol, the stress hormone, is what preps your body for fight or flight. So by walking or exercising, you naturally “deal” with cortisol by using it, and it helps alleviate stress and get your body’s hormones back into shape. Plus I just love appreciating nature, there’s nothing like a lovely wildflower or snazzy tree to put me in a good mood. And of course, applying a gorgeous lippie is also a mood-lifter!
In other news, those satin lip pencils are gorgeous. I’ll have to add them to my ever-growing holiday wishlist!
* Spongebob voice * I don’t need it! I don’t need it! Lol who am I kidding? I absolutely NEED this set! The colors look perfect and I’m loving the case they come in. It’ll look great on my vanity with my other NARS keepsake box.
That pink looks hot and I really like the whole set actually.
I am sorry you had a bad day yesterday but I am glad you found a way to make it better. I totally agree that sometimes glamming yourself up helps a lot to lift up your mood! *Hugs*
Aw, sorry to hear life has been so stressful lately 🙁 Good thing we have make-up to cheer us up, right! What a gorgeous set this is.
Ah, Karen, You’re awesome! Always keepin’ it real. I’m glad you took some time ot take care of yourself and make yourself feel better 🙂 It’s amazing the power of a lipstick, really…
I had a meltdown recently too – was feeling down, and overloaded, and then I hit my head on the corner of an overhead cabinet door.
Well. The Wizard (who knows how I feel about hitting my head) basically bolted, and I grabbed the closest thing to hand (which was a long narrow cardboard box) and beat the ever loving crap out of *another* cardboard box nearby. It was probably hilarious to watch, really…
I should have emergency lipstick on hand! (although I promise I don’t have meltdons often, LOL!) 😀
I’m glad you’re feeling better and that the pink lip color worked. It would have been a trigger for me, instead of a cure! HAHA! My happy moment of the day came when I found out that one of the boys won the election for class Treasurer. So happy for the little bird! 🙂
Karen, I really laughed at this post. Not at you because I totally GET you. I found it particularly funny that you beat the crap out of your chair. I’ve been known to kick cans around the office (and I work at a big company – OOPS) LMAO. Ok, I don’t do it when anyone is around but sometimes the stupidity of large corporations is unbearable.
I have practiced what you’re preaching when I’m having a really blue mood because not only does it help me feel better about myself; but, it changes the way others tend to respond to me. It’s all interconnected KWIM?
The NARS set looks great. I think I have 3 urban decay pencils that can duplicate the 3 bolds but the other two look really nice so this may be a treat for the holidays.
I’m glad you’re feeling better and the hot pink really rocks on you.
I haven’t had a meltdown in a while thank goodness but I often feel like I’m on the edge of one these days. Many things going wrong or sideways so when the last straw comes, I hope there is a blast radius pre-cleared.
I like the set and that there is matte and satin/gloss finishes in one. I’m not sure I can make Iberico work for me but I’d consider it if it did!
I totally get you – there are definitely days when one explodes and whatever is close pays for it 🙂 ! I’ve also been advised that when you feel your worst, you should wear pretty clothes and do your hair and makeup with special dedication, so when you look at yourself in the mirror, you won’t feel even worse. I understand why this beautiful lipstick and outfit lifted your spirits! You look lovely and I´m glad you´re feeling better! I loved your C.P. Yu joke – I’m amused by how you´re “easily amused” :D!